Dear Daddy,

Where has the time gone? I feel like just yesterday you were holding my hand as I crossed the street and now…well now I’m an adult, living at college, graduating soon and crossing the street alone.

I’m not even sure where to begin. From the first day of preschool, kindergarten, high school and college, you’ve been by my side. You caught me when I was down and lifted me when I was high.

You sat through every back to school night crammed into classrooms. You missed Sunday football for Girl Scout parades. You came to every horse show regardless of distance, time, or 100-degree weather. You listened to me complain about the bitchy girls or rant about my unfair teachers. You put me first for everything and for that I have no words.

Sure we’ve had our fights. There were times I yelled, cried, slammed doors, even ran away (to the stop sign out front with my build-a-bear). But, every time you welcomed me back with nothing short of a hug and a Tiger’s Tale brownie sundae (only the best).

You told me it was going to be OK when the boy left and broke my heart. Or that there would be new friends. You told me that the bad grade on the test wouldn’t mean anything in five years. That the zit on my forehead would go away tomorrow. That the college that rejected me was the one missing out. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

You taught me to be generous, to give whenever I can and take only when needed. You told me to work hard every day but never forget to have fun. You showed me what true love and happiness look like.

You taught me that life can be unfair, but that doesn’t mean it can't be magical.

You inspired me to live every day to the fullest. You taught me to take nothing for granted, that each day is a blessing. You told me to never lie and to trust only the select few.

I know you always wanted a boy and that my baby pink blanket wasn’t exactly your style... but you made it work. You made sure I attended a New York Giants game before I was 10. You made sure I knew that nothing goods happens after midnight. That I knew the words to almost every Springsteen song. You made sure I always remembered Mom’s birthday. That I knew that the speed limit was just a ‘friendly suggestion.’ You made sure that I never forgot that I was a Jersey girl.

You built me, Daddy. I never want to imagine what my life would be like without you.

I remember one time you told me that your proudest moment was when I was finally able to hold my baby bottle myself. I hope one day I can make you as proud as I am to call you my dad.

Love,

Your little girl forever and always